Alex White’s resume suggests he has a bright future ahead of him in Denver. And while we’re on the subject, White agrees.
White, on being traded for Ubaldo Jimenez: “I wasn’t the only one traded for him. There were some other really good players in there. I’m not trying to fill anybody’s shoes. I’m coming here to be my own person, my own player. I hope one day to be as good as him . . . or better.”
As good as Jimenez, by all accounts the greatest pitcher in Rockies history? Time will tell. As of today, White just wants to get healthy so he can move on to a new phase in his career.
He has missed 11 weeks with a torn tendon pulley in his right middle finger, the same injury that sidelined Jorge De La Rosa for 13 starts in 2010. White leaves today for Double-A Tulsa, where he’s expected to make four starts in anticipation of joining the Rockies’ rotation in September.
“It’s just something where I’ve got to earn that spot,” White said. “I’ve got to get healthy first. I certainly don’t want anything given to me. Once I’m healthy and have confidence in the finger, I’ll look forward to competing and trying to get back.”
White was one of four players acquired from Cleveland for Jimenez. The biggest name in the deal was left-hander Drew Pomeranz, the fifth pick in the 2010 draft, 10 spots earlier than White was picked a year earlier.
White’s scouting report on Pomeranz: “What’s not to say? He’s a good pitcher, a left-hander who throws mid-90s. He can get people out.”
White, who pitched in college at North Carolina, made three starts for the Indians this season, compiling a 1-0 record and 3.60 ERA. He split the 2010 season between High-A and Double-A, finishing 10-10, 2.45 ERA.
He was 1-0 in Triple-A this season with a 1.90 ERA, 28 strikeouts and five walks allowed in 23 2/3 innings, numbers befitting a young pitcher whose command has him on the verge of making an impact in the big leagues.
White is happy to get the chance to do it with the Rockies.
“I’ve been excited since I found out about it,” he said. “This has been a good team for a few years. My goal is to just kind of slip in and help the team win as much as I can.”
White isn’t just a rookie pitcher. Tuesday marked the first time he had ever been to Denver.
“From everything I hear, it’s just a great city,” he said. “I’m really looking forward to being here. Coming in, I saw all the farmland and was like, ‘Well, that’s pretty flat. I thought we were in the mountains.’ “
Jim Armstrong: 303-954-1269 or jmarmstrong@denverpost.com
